By the end of this course the student will

• Have a spherical view of the geology of peat and coal deposits and the factors controlling their formation.
• Be acquainted with the methods and techniques applied in the exploration and the exploitation of peatlands and coal deposits.
• Be aware of the major world and domestic peatlands and coal deposits.
• Be able to assess the potential environmental impacts from the use of peat and coal.

By the end of this course the student will, furthermore, have developed the following skills:

• Ability to exhibit knowledge and understanding of the essential facts, concepts, theories and applications which are related to peat/coal formation.
• Ability to apply this knowledge and understanding to the solution of problems related to peatlands and coal deposits.
• Ability to adopt and apply new methodologies/techniques to solve problems dealing with the peat/coal exploration.
• Study skills needed for continuing professional development.
• Ability to interact with others in geological or interdisciplinary problems.

Generally, by the end of this course the student will have developed the following general abilities:

• Searching, analysis and synthesis of facts and information, as well as using the necessary technologies
• Adaptation to new situations
• Decision making
• Autonomous (Independent) work
• Group work
• Exercise of criticism and self-criticism
• Promotion of free, creative and inductive thinking
• Respect to natural environment
• Work design and management

• Origin of coal.
• Peat-forming controls.
• Coalification.
• Types and components of coal.
• The coal deposit.
• Coal exploration
• Exploitation, reserves, production, utilisation
• Coal deposits in Greece
• Environmental Impacts

1. Exercises

• During the semester the students have to do homework; the exercises have to be given to the teaching staff on time. This is the basic prerequisite for allowing participation in the final examination.

1. Final Examination, including
2. Written examination after the semester end, including questions of short and extended replies, diagramme interpretation etc. The mark of the written examination constitutes 50% of the final mark
3. Oral examination on the microscope including

• Determination of macerals.
• Questions on the origin of the certain macerals.

The mark of the oral examination constitutes 50% of the final mark.

Suggested bibliography:

1. Christanis K., 1998. Coal Geology. Textbook, University of Patras.
2. Diessel C.F.K., 1995. Coal-bearing Depositional Systems. Springer Verlag, Berlin.
3. Taylor, G.H., Teichmüller, M., Davis, A., Diessel, C.F.K., Littke, R., Robert, P., 1998. Organic Petrology. Gebrüder Borntraeger, Berlin.
4. Thomas, L., 2012. Coal Geology. 2nd Edition, Wiley-Blackwell.

Related academic journals:

1. International Journal of Coal Geology (https://www.journals.elsevier.com/international-journal-of-coal-geology).

By the end of this course the student will be able to:

• Use and exploitation of aggregate materials.
• Ability of drawing up mineralopetrographic and physicomechanical study of rocks.
• Management of dangerous quarry wastes and delimination of new possible areas.
• Maintenance and restoration of ancient monuments.

• Searching, analysis and synthesis of facts and information, as well as using the necessary technologies
• Autonomous (Independent) work
• Group work
• Respect of the physical environement 

• Marbles and ornamental rocks- physical features, physicomechanical properties of marbles- allocation and varieties of marbles- applications of rocks- the marble in ancienty and in nowdays- databases.
• Aggregate materials and rocks- mineralopetrographic examination, laboratory tests and classification of aggregates for their different uses. – existing legislative framework and environmental restoration.

Α. Writing examination(20%) which includes short growth questions.

1. Hatzipanagiotou,Κ.G. (1985):Petrography Ι.University of Patras.
2. Hatzipanagiotou,Κ.G. (2005):Petrography Ι.University of Patras.
3. Tsirampidis, Α.Ε. (2005):The mineral richness of Greece..Yiachoudi, Thessaloniki.

The course is addressed to undergraduate students who sufficiently know and understand the principles of Geology. The aim of the course is for students to acquire advanced knowledges and skills on the analysis and composition of simple geological maps using remote sensing techniques

By the end of this course the student will be able to:

• Know the basic principles of remote sensing
• Know and understand the usage of aerial-photographs in geological research
• Know and understand the usage of photogeological analysis
• Carry out photogeological mapping in areas of medium difficulty
• Compose simple geological cross-sections using photogeological data
• Carry out geometrical calculations in photogeological maps

Generally, by the end of this course the student will, furthermore, have develop the following general abilities (from the list above):

• Search for, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of the necessary technology
• Working independently
• Team work
• Production of free, creative and inductive thinking

The course content includes the following chapters:

1. Introduction to remote sensing and the photogeological analysis
2. Photogeological mapping of rock units and unconformities
3. Photogeological analysis in faulted areas
4. Photogeological analysis in folded areas
5. Photogeological mapping in complex areas
6. Interpretation of photogeological maps
7. Geometric calculations in photogeological maps

Suggested bibliography:

1. Maltman Α. 1990. Geological Maps -  An Introduction. Open University Press
2. Miller V. C. and Miller C. F.: Photogeology- McGraw-Hill Books.

The course gives the theoretical and objective knowledge related to the identification and description of the engineering geological conditions that prevail on technical works design and their environmental impacts. Particular emphasis is given to selecting and identifying the most "critical" geological parameters that will affect technical work construction and their safe operation.

By the end of this course the student will possess cognitive and practical skills and has the ability to:

• Utilization of know - how to assess the physical - mechanical parameters of rock formations (rock material and rock mass) through laboratory and on - site methodologies and simulations (use of appropriate methods, materials and instruments)
• Application of knowledge and creative thinking to solve problems related to the particular and unpredictable geological conditions that will be encountered in the design of the technical project (slope protection, tunnel supporting, dam grouting, etc.)

Also the student in the working environment has the ability to respond:

• With competence in interdisciplinarity required by technical works (study - construction)
• With responsibility and reliability in the case of autonomous employment

• Retrieve, analyze and synthesize data and information, using the necessary technologies
• Decision making
• Adapt to new situations
• Working in an interdisciplinary environment 

• Engineering behaviour of rock mass: rock mass classification systems RMR, Q and Geological Strength Index (GSI).  Applications on the design and construction of tunnels, slopes and foundations.
• Landslides: terminology and classification, causal and triggering factors, remedial measures
• Design and construction of dams: classification of dams, design criteria, engineering geological requirements, dam and reservoir waterproofing, monitoring techniques.
• Design and construction of tunnels: geological conditions during construction, rockmass deformation and failure mechanism, construction methods (NATM and TBM) and supporting techniques.
• Laboratory work in: (a) laboratory rock testing (Rock Mechanics) according to ASTM, BS and Ε103-84 standards, (b) evaluation of in situ testing results according to ASTM, ISRM and Ε103-84 standards
• Field work in rock mass classification schemes for tunnel and slope design requirements.

• Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) (power point) in teaching.
• Electronic Delivery of Laboratory Exercises in PDF files, individually to each student, weekly, two (2) days prior to the educational process, that can freely download using a password which is provided to them after the initial registration on the website of the Laboratory of Engineering Geology using a personal password
• Support of Learning Process and Dissemination of educational material through the e_class  platform 

Ι) Laboratory and field work exercise and exams (30%):

(a) Each lab exercise is resolved and delivered the next week after its educational process. After it is corrected, marked and returned to the student.  Field Work is immediately delivered just after the completion of the training process.

The average mark of both lab and filed work exercise is calculated.

(b) Final written examination on laboratory exercises.

Final Lab and Field Work Grade =(a)*9% + (b)*21%

ΙΙ) Final Written Course Exams (70%):

Text Books

1. Γεωλογία Τεχνικών έργων (2007). Γ. Κούκης, Ν. Σαμπατακάκης Εκδόσεις Παπασωτηρίου, σελ. 575.
2. Engineering Geology. Principle and practice (2009). D.G. Price, Springer.
3. Engineering Geology (2007). F.G. Bell. Second edition. B.H.

Scientific International Journals:

1. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment. Springer
2. Engineering Geology. Elsevier.
3. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering.